Chapter 3 On the Road to Corporate Responsibility: The Institutionalization of Sustainability at Gap, Inc.

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter explores the use of evolutionary and institutionalization models to understand the progression of sustainability in organizations and their contribution to sustainable effectiveness. It describes the evolution of Gap, Inc.'s sustainability approach, its increasingly central role in the organization's strategy and design, and the methods it is using to institutionalize this critical change.

Design – The chapter describes alternative models of sustainability evolution and change institutionalization, and then applies the concepts in those models to understand Gap, Inc.'s sustainability journey.

Findings – The models of sustainability evolution and change institutionalization provide different but complimentary views on the extent to which sustainability is embedded in Gap, Inc.'s organization. These models can be a useful tool for assessing progress and recommending actions to increase the institutionalization of sustainability strategies and initiatives.

Originality and value – The findings of this chapter will help senior executives with responsibility for sustainability implementation. In addition to providing indicators for assessment of progress, findings of sustainability's institutionalization should prove helpful in predicting achievement of sustainable effectiveness.

Citation

Worley, C.G. (2011), "Chapter 3 On the Road to Corporate Responsibility: The Institutionalization of Sustainability at Gap, Inc.", Albers Mohrman, S. and (Rami) Shani, A.B. (Ed.) Organizing for Sustainability (Organizing for Sustainable Effectiveness, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 73-97. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-0605(2011)0000001008